Authorities are investigating a molotov explosion that occurred at the parking lot of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Saturday morning.
Police said no one was reported hurt, but the incident caused damage to at least three vehicles parked in the area, including a Toyota Fortuner (NCL 6610), Toyota Rush (NEV 2485), and Mazda Tribute (NBI 716).
Upon receiving information about the explosion, police on duty officer Cpl. Manel Supan immediately responded to verify the incident. He reported the matter to the Tactical Operation Center officer and informed the station duty officers who immediately secured the area.
The Manila International Airport Authority management also sought assistance from the Philippine National Police – Aviation Security and Canine, and Special Operation Units to conduct paneling and clearing operations in the area and requested a crime scene investigation.
Police units responded immediately and conducted SOPs by securing the area and increasing police presence within the perimeter of the open parking where the improvised molotov bomb was believed to have come from.
As of press time, investigators had no leads on the explosion’s perpetrators.
Police describe molotov bombs as improvised incendiary firebombs, where a flammable item is placed inside a breakable fuel bottle, usually petrol or alcohol, lit just before being thrown.
Initial information gathered from people who were near the area at the time of the incident revealed that a noise akin to an explosion came from the direction of the open parking area fronting Terminal 3.
When inspected, a glass bottle containing flammable liquid and wrapped with a cloth was shattered, its particles hitting three vehicles parked near where it landed. Eyewitness reports said that small flames were also seen at the bottom part of the vehicles.
Recordings of CCTV cameras located in the vicintiy of the open parking are now being reviewed and police authorities are also trying to obtain other CCTV footages from nearby establishments outside the Terminal 3 perimeter.
As of press time, the assistance of the Pasay City PNP SOCO has been sought to assist in the investigation.
MIAA-Officer in Charge Bryan Co has ordered the Airport Police Department to beef up foot and K9 patrol in public areas and increase police visibility around the terminal areas.
Co also calls on the airport community for continued cooperation by reporting suspicious looking individuals as well as unusual movement of people in the airport complex.